Katherine's Sheaves eBook

“Nonsense! It was simply hypnotism, mesmerism,”
said the elder man when he concluded.

“No, it did not work at all like hypnotism,”
was the positive reply. “However, if you
are opposed to trying it, there is nothing more to
be said.”

“I am opposed to it, most decidedly,”
said the professor, almost harshly, and his brother
wondered at his unusual mood. “I believe
the whole thing—­root, branch and practice—­to
be an invention of Satan himself, and I would not
give it countenance under any circumstances.”

“Not even to save your nearest and dearest?”
queried Phillip Stanley, and wholly unable to account
for the excitement and irritability of his usually
dignified and high-bred relative.

The professor deigned no reply, but the obstinate
frown upon his brow and the stern compression of his
lips were sufficient warning that it would be useless
to pursue the subject.

“Well, it was only a suggestion, Will,”
the younger man said, in a friendly tone. “Of
course, I have no real faith in the efficacy of the
method myself; only, as I shrink from the operation
on a delicate girl like Dorrie, it occurred to me
that we might at least give Christian Science a trial.
But I must be off to meet another appointment.
I will be up again to-morrow morning to stay with
Dorothy while you and Emilie go to church.”

He held out his hand, which his brother-in-law grasped
and wrung.

“You are a faithful friend, Phil. Don’t
think for a moment that I do not appreciate you; but
I believe I’ve been out of sorts for several
days,” said the professor, with a deprecatory
smile.

“It’s all right, old boy; good-by,”
was the cheery response, as the young man went out,
softly closing the door after him, but with a weary
look in his eyes which the other did not see.

CHAPTER V.

Katherine’sfirstsabbathatHilton.

Katherine’s first Sabbath at Hilton Seminary
dawned a perfect winter morning, and, starting forth
in good season, she sought the little hall on Grove
Street, where the few Scientists of the city met each
week to enjoy the service which has become so dear
to the heart of every student of God’s word,
as spiritually interpreted according to Christian
Science.

She had carefully studied the lesson during the week,
and was therefore prepared to enjoy to the utmost
each section as its point was clearly brought out
by the readers, to teach and bless; and so, when she
again turned her steps homeward, she felt calmed,
refreshed and strengthened for the duties that lay
before her.

As she was about to enter the building she encountered
Prof. and Mrs. Seabrook, who also had just returned
from church.

The former glanced askance at her books, lifted his
hat to her with frigid politeness, and passed on to
his study.

Mrs. Seabrook, however, paused and greeted her most
cordially, whereupon Katherine inquired for Dorothy.